Published on: Thu, 01 Oct 2026 15:09:00 GMT
Original Story: Most Americans blame Trump for high prices as his economic approval hits new low, AP-NORC poll shows – AP News

Trump’s Economy: Voters Finally Connect Dots

Well, well, well. Look what the cat dragged in. Or rather, what the AP-NORC poll just dropped on our collective doorstep, smelling faintly of vindication and a whole lot of “I told you so.” Turns out, a significant chunk of the American populace is now pointing the finger squarely at one Donald J. Trump for those infuriatingly high prices we’ve all been grumbling about. His economic approval, according to this fresh batch of data, has hit a new, shall we say, *suboptimal* low. For those of us who’ve been watching this particular economic reality show unfold for years, it feels less like a shocking revelation and more like the inevitable conclusion to a poorly written sitcom where the protagonist keeps insisting he’s a genius while the set slowly catches fire around him. It’s almost quaint, really, the public finally connecting those very obvious dots between rhetoric, policy, and the ever-shrinking contents of their wallets.

The Audacity of Nope: When the Public Points the Finger

Let’s not mince words here. The poll numbers are, frankly, brutal for the former President. Most Americans, and this is the kicker, are laying the blame for our current economic woes, specifically the stubbornly high cost of living, squarely at his feet. Not just a few disgruntled liberals, mind you, but a broad swathe of the electorate. This isn’t some niche academic paper; this is mainstream sentiment, bubbling up from the grocery aisles and gas stations across the nation. For a man who built an entire political identity around being the singular architect of “the greatest economy ever” – a phrase he repeated so often it practically became a nervous tic – this must sting. It’s like a Michelin-starred chef being told his signature dish tastes like old socks by the very patrons he’s been bragging about.

Who’s Really Footing the Bill?

The irony, of course, is thicker than a cheap steak. For years, the narrative from a certain corner of the political spectrum was that economic issues were always, always, *always* someone else’s fault. Never the guy in the Oval Office who just happened to be in charge. Now, however, even some of his most ardent supporters are likely feeling the pinch. When a gallon of milk costs what it does, or filling up the SUV requires a second mortgage, people tend to get a little less philosophical about who’s to blame and a little more pragmatic. They look at their budget, they look at the headlines, and they start asking uncomfortable questions. And apparently, those questions are leading them to a rather inconvenient answer for Mr. Trump: maybe, just maybe, some of this is on you, sir.

Deja Vu All Over Again: The Tariff Tango of Yore

Now, this isn’t to say that current inflation is *solely* attributable to one person’s past actions. Economic forces are complex, global, and often as predictable as a toddler’s mood swings. But it’s impossible to discuss the current sentiment without dragging a few skeletons out of the economic closet. And the biggest, clunkiest skeleton in there, rattling its bones about high prices, is undoubtedly the ghost of tariffs past. Remember the heady days of 2018 and 2019? When trade wars were all the rage, and the word “tariff” was on everyone’s lips, usually followed by an exasperated sigh from anyone with an economics degree?

The “China Pays” Fallacy, Revisited

Ah, 2019. Simpler times, perhaps, when we were still debating whether tariffs were an economic masterstroke or a self-inflicted wound. Back then, when the tariff wars with China were really heating up, Trump insisted, quite vehemently, that these taxes on imported goods were being paid by China, and American consumers were “paying NOTHING.” He literally tweeted things to that effect, claiming billions were flowing into the U.S. Treasury, all on China’s dime. The official line was that these tariffs were punishing Beijing, forcing them to the negotiating table, and having zero impact on American families. Economists, bless their boring, fact-based hearts, tried desperately to explain that tariffs are, in essence, taxes on imports paid by *importers*, who then typically pass those costs onto *consumers*. It’s not rocket science; it’s basic business. But that nuanced, inconvenient truth was drowned out by the thunderous declarations of “China pays.” Fast forward to today, and a significant portion of the public seems to have realized that, surprise, surprise, those tariffs often translated into higher costs for goods sold in the U.S. – everything from washing machines to clothes to industrial components. The chickens, it seems, have come home to roost, carrying a hefty price tag.

Inflation: It’s Complicated, But Not *That* Complicated

Of course, the post-pandemic landscape, global supply chain snarls, geopolitical instability, and a whole host of other factors have all played their part in the current inflationary environment. Nobody’s arguing that. But what this poll highlights is that the public isn’t buying the singular “Bidenflation” narrative wholesale. They’re capable of holding two thoughts in their head at once: that current policies contribute, and that past policies, particularly those that deliberately imposed taxes on imported goods, also had a measurable and lasting impact. It’s almost like people recall paying more for things *before* the current administration took office, and they’re making the connection. Who knew that making imports more expensive would, you know, make things more expensive?

The Supply Chain Shuffle: A Legacy of Disruption

And let’s not forget the strategic, or perhaps not-so-strategic, dismantling of established trade relationships. While some might argue for the necessity of decoupling from China, the abruptness and confrontational nature of those actions certainly didn’t help stabilize global supply chains. When businesses are forced to rapidly reroute, find new suppliers, or absorb new costs, those disruptions don’t just magically disappear. They ripple through the economy, often manifesting as higher prices and reduced availability. It’s a bit like taking a sledgehammer to a delicate clock and then wondering why it’s not telling the right time anymore.

The Emperor’s New Economic Clothes: A Reality Check

For years, the Trump economic narrative was one of unparalleled success, a gold-plated era of prosperity never before seen. The Dow was up, unemployment was down (continuing trends from the previous administration, but hey, details!), and everything was, apparently, tremendous. But public memory, while sometimes short, also has a funny way of catching up to reality. When people look at their current financial situation, the cost of living, and then recall past policies, they start to evaluate the claims against their lived experience. The “greatest economy ever” might sound good on a rally stage, but it rings a bit hollow when your grocery bill is astronomical and you’re struggling to make ends meet. This poll is a stark reminder that even the most bombastic claims eventually run headlong into the cold, hard numbers of household budgets.

When the Numbers Don’t Lie (Even If You Do)

Ultimately, this isn’t just about partisan squabbling. It’s about a growing public awareness that economic policies have real, tangible consequences for everyday people. When tariffs were imposed, proponents swore up and down that consumers wouldn’t feel it. When the economy experienced certain shifts, the blame was always deflected. But now, when poll after poll shows people struggling with inflation and actively blaming a former president for contributing to it, it’s a pretty clear signal. The disconnect between a carefully crafted narrative and the lived reality of millions is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. And for an elder millennial burnout like myself, who’s seen this play out time and again, it’s just another Tuesday. But at least the public is finally paying attention.

Snarky Takeaway

So, the next time someone tries to tell you that tariffs are free money and don’t hurt consumers, just show them this poll. Apparently, even the average American eventually figures out that when you tax something, it generally gets more expensive. Shocking, I know.